Four Ways Continuing Education has Changed

It's important to your career and wellbeing to drop the stereotypes that surround continuing education. In the modern age, the people that take con-ed, and the people that need it are a diverse bunch, especially considering that both the economy and education itself have changed and even a working professional may need additional schooling to keep up. Here's a few facts about the new face of continuing education:

1. It's necessary for some jobs
   I probably don't need to tell you that technology is changing and advancing. What does need saying is that innovation is constantly impacting employment. As hardware, software and science continuously update, you'll need to update to keep up. Things don't stop moving once you leave school behind. Maybe it's a matter of advancing your position at your company, or it can also be a matter of simply keeping that position by playing catchup. It doesn't have to be all doom-and-gloom, though. Learning's good for the mind, and should really be thought of as a continuous trip.
   
2. It's grown in respect by employers
   In the current job market, a post-graduate certificate, or any other sort of continuing education credit is viewed as specialized training, and marks the one that earned it as specially qualified to work on the job they've trained for. Adding to this is the fact that continuing education programs are often for specific positions, connecting you to a particular career instead of something general, also marking you as someone focused and passionate about your work.
   
3. It can be short and convenient
   Another excellent factor in continuing education: It doesn't have to derail your life, and can be had in a short, convenient fashion. At Centennial, post-graduate programs typically consist of two semesters and a field placement, meaning you're in and out in no time. And if you can't devote your 9-5 time slot to learning, then evening and weekend classes, or distance learning online can connect you to your education from afar.
   
4. It doesn't have to be for your career
   Remember when I said learning's good for the mind? Well, you don't just have to learn for the sake of the job. You can do it for fun, and take continuing education simply for that reason. At Centennial College, for example, you can take classes in everything from Motorcycle Riding, to Professional Writing, to French and Spanish. If you're looking to meet people, pick up a skill, or even keep your brain healthy, then continuing education for personal fulfillment may fit you just right.